TZD Tuesday - Changes to Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Law go into effect Aug. 1, 2024

July 30, 2024

Families and caregivers need to prepare for changes to the Minnesota Child Passenger Safety Law. Starting Aug. 1, new guidance on car seats, booster seats and seat belts go into effect that may change how children ride in a vehicle. The new law is based on best practice. It keeps children from prematurely graduating to the next level of restraint.

Prior to the changes, state law required car seats to be used according to manufacturer’s instructions on height and weight. Now, instead of just relying on the child’s size, the law specifies ages for rear- and forward-facing car seats, booster seats and seat belts (subject to weight and height depending on the child seat manufacturer). The booster seat requirement has been increased from 8 to 9 years old. Additionally, children under 13 years old must sit in the back seat if possible. See additional information on the Minnesota Child Passenger Safety Law and the Child Passenger Safety news release on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.

Crashes are a leading cause of injury and death among children, but proper car seat use can help protect and prevent injuries to our youngest passengers. Together, we can drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.